What Is Pulmonary Stenosis?

Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing of one or more sites at the entrance of the pulmonary artery.  This defect causes a resistance to the pulmonary artery, decreases pulmonary blood flow, a resistance to blood flow and, therefore, abnormally high right ventricular pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary stenosis may be symptomatic.  The findings of pulmonary stenosis depend upon the severity of the defect but may include a systolic ejection murmur which is audible with systolic thrill.  The complaint of dyspnea and fatigue are common.  There may also be cyanosis and an experience of right ventricular failure and a low cardiac output.

The diagnosis is confirmed by performing X – Ray and echocardiogram.  X – Ray and echocardiogram reveal enlarged right ventricle.  Echocardiogram shows defect and thickened pulmonary valve.  Cardiac catheterization is not necessary to confirm diagnosis.

Medication
Administration of digitalis and diuretics is encouraged.  Prophylactic antibiotics are given if there is a valve involvement.

Treatment
Balloon valvuloplasty during cardiac catheterization may be utilized to dilate area.

Surgery
Surgical intervention is performed if the symptoms are moderate to severe; surgeon may need to replace the pulmonic valve if it is involved (pulmonic valvuloplasty or complete excision of the dysplastic valve).